Euro 2012: Germany Will Walk Through Group Stage

Germany is a member of Group B for Euro 2012, along with Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal. This group is considered the most rugged by most, but Germany will coast through to the next round.

The Germans' stiffest competition will be the Netherlands and Portugal. Both teams are dangerous, but depth and defense concerns will sink their ships against the consistent German squad.

Let's take a look at Germany's squad and why they will run through their group stage.

Revenge

Germany has finished third in two straight World Cups, and the team took second at Euro 2008. Their proud national team takes each of these shortcomings to heart.

Germany's failure to win on big stages recently will provide them enough incentive to perform up to their potential in this year's Euro Cup.

Adding to this incentive will be eight Bayern Munich players on their team's roster.

Bayern Munich's heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final will have those players hungry for a major victory.

The other teams in Group B are talented, but Germany's mental edge will prove to be a big factor from the get-go.

Germany's Roster

Germany's roster has talented players at all three levels. Depth will not be an issue. If anything, picking their starting lineup will prove to be a challenge.

Defenders like Philipp Lahm, Holger Badstuber and Marcel Schmelzer are all formidable presences on the defensive side. Lahm will probably be Germany's captain. He and his Bayern Munich teammate, Badstuber, will form a solid duo on the outside.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and exciting youngster Mesut Ozil are all exciting players in the midfield. Schweinsteiger is arguably the world's most complete midfielder, Kroos is extremely gifted with the ball at his feet and Ozil is one of the best playmakers the world has to offer.

Up front, coach Joachim Low will have to decide between German legend Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez. Both are dynamic scorers, and Klose usually saves his best play for the biggest matches.

Germany's squad is deeper, more talented and more battle-tested than any other Group B teams. Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani leading the way, but their talent drops off dramatically after their two stars. Netherlands has Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben to threaten opposing defenses, but their defense is suspect to say the least. Denmark is simply overmatched by the other three squads.

Germany will be tested, but will leave Group B undefeated and gaining speed.